CBS runs "Matlock" promo during football game CBS found the perfect opportunity to run a “Matlock” promo during the Chargers-Steelers game.
By Arthur Weinstein on

Jim Nantz found himself in the middle of the perfect network promo Sunday afternoon and he delivered his lines to perfection.

In the first quarter of the Pittsburgh Steelers-Los Angeles Chargers game, the CBS camera cut to the back of Chargers fullback/defensive tackle’s Scott Matlock’s jersey.

“Kathy Bates is not the ‘Matlock’ you’re expecting,” Nantz said, as the theme music suddenly played from CBS’s rebooted Matlock series. “Don’t miss the sneak peak premiere of the next great CBS mystery Matlock, tonight after 60 Minutes.”

Somehow, Nantz read that without breaking character, an impressive feat because some announcers would have had a hard time playing this one straight.

The CBS broadcaster finished with a flourish, as the camera remained on the Chargers player.

“Now you’re looking at Scott Matlock, it’s not his show, although he’s on the case for the Chargers in a lot of different facets, special teams, offense, defense,” Nantz concluded.


Color analyst Tony Romo seemed to chuckle a couple of times as Nantz read the promo, showing he thought it was totally clever.

As noted, some promo opportunities are just too perfect, but it takes good execution to recognize the opportunity and then execute it. Someone noticed Matlock’s name on the Chargers roster, and then Nantz provided the flawless delivery.


[NFL on CBS]

About Arthur Weinstein

Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.

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